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THE MUNICIPALITY OF KASTELI |
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Introduction Map of the Area Villages Excursions Photos Photo theme Map (Prefecture) |
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THE MUNICIPALITY OF KASTELI |
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Introduction Map of the Area Villages Excursions Photos Photo theme Map (Prefecture) |
Tel: +3 0891 31266 Fax: +3 0891 32197
HOW TO GET THERE
All the roads in this municipality are paved and are in good condition. Visitors coming from the north coast can most easily reach the Kasteli area from Chersonissos, turning left from the National Road between Hersonissos and Heraklion and taking a lovely route for about 14 km. Otherwise, one can also take the Gouves-Smari-Kasteli road.
FACILITIES
The county town is equipped with every type of facility required both by the inhabitants and/or the visitors: Public Services, Health Centre, two small hotels, restaurants, tavernas, shops of all kinds and a branch office of the Agricultural Bank of Greece.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
According to archaeological finds, it is clear that this region has been inhabited since ancient times. The Minoan city of Lyktos or Lyttos, possibly the oldest city in Crete, was located on a hill above Kasteli. Other more recent finds show how the Acropolis of Smari was inhabited during the Middle Minoan period, playing a leading role in ancient times.
WHAT TO SEE
The municipality of Kasteli is certainly worth a visit.
Departing from Kasteli we suggest the following daily excursions:
The municipality of Kasteli lies inland to the NE of the Prefecture of Heraklion.
It borders with the municipalities of Episkopi, Gouves and Hersonissos to the north, that of Thrapsanos to the west and that of Arkalohori to the south.
The municipality counts 25 villages with a total population of about 6,000 inhabitants, and covers a geographic area of 124 square km in hills and plains, distant only 14 km from the north coast of the island, and, to the south, reaching the Afendi range, the foothills of the Lassithi mountains.
The county town is Kasteli, distant 36 km from the islands capital Heraklion and only 16 km away from the well-known sea-side resort of Hersonissos.
Municipality of Kasteli:
Another possibility, for visitors coming from Heraklion, is to take the road Heraklion-Knossos-Agies Paraskies-Apostoli-Kasteli. There is a good bus service every hour or so from Heraklion. The bus leaves from the bus station down by the port.
You will find typical kapheneions and tavernas in practically every village on your way to Kasteli.
Facilities to the visitors
Beautiful landscape, wooded land with evergreen plane trees, rivers and springs in sharp contrast to the nakedness of the rocks. There are many lovely walks, to which archaeological finds give an extra interest, particularly in and around Kasteli where you can visit a Proto-Minoan settlement, the hill of Lyttos, the Acropolis of Smari and the Wall of Kastamonitsa. Other attractions along this route: picturesque little villages like Smari, Bitzariano, Lagou, Kato and Ano Karouzana, classified churches (Agios Pandeleimonas, Archangelos Michail, Agia Anna, Panagia at Sklavelochori, Agios Georgios, Panagia Ypapani at Mathia), as well as monasteries like Moni Kallergi and beautiful landscapes at Gerakiani Lagada, Mesada in Kastamonitsa, Metohi in Mathia, and Agios Pandeleimonas.
EXCURSIONS
This excursion covers the hilly part of the County.
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